Christchurch Airport welcomes tourism funding

Christchurch Airport's CEO Jim Boult is applauding the
Government's announcement of a funding boost for tourism over the
next four years.

Mr Boult says he's delighted by the $158 million extra funding
and has no doubt it will boost tourism.

"Tourism is one of this country's largest export industries,
second only to the dairy industry in terms of foreign exchange
earnings. Around one in 10 working New Zealanders is employed in
the tourism industry and it has the potential to improve the
economies of communities around the country," he says.

"Having just returned from accompanying the Prime Minister to
China, it's clear to me China will continue to become more and more
important to our future. Chinese travellers want to see New Zealand
and our two countries have a very strong relationship.
Unlocking the value from that will require investment and these
just-announced Government dollars will help.

"Likewise, there are other markets where we can get extra value.
I think, for example of Japan. We used to welcome 173,000 Japanese
visitors, but that number is now 73,000. This funding has the
ability to re-gain some of that lost ground.

"Christchurch Airport looks forward to working with Tourism New
Zealand and other parties to allow the outcome Government desires
from this welcome tourism investment."